Laparoscopic bariatric surgery is safe during phase 2-3 of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: A multicenter, prospective, observational study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Sars-Cov-2 epidemic in Italy caused one of the greatest 2020 European outbreaks, with suspension of elective bariatric/metabolic surgery (BMS). From May 2020 a significant decline of the epidemic has been observed (phase 2); National Health Service protocols permitted elective BMS' resumption. A new, more severe COVID-19 surge, the "second wave", started on October 2020 (phase 3).

AIM:

The primary end point was to analyze the outcomes of any Sars-Cov-2 infection and related morbidity/mortality within 30 POD after laparoscopic BMS during phase 2-3; secondary end points were readmission and reoperation rates.

METHODS:

Study design prospective, multicenter, observational.

SETTING:

Eight Italian high-volume bariatric centers. All patients undergoing BMS from July 2020 through January 2021 were enrolled according to the following criteria: no Sars-Cov-2 infection; primary procedures; no concomitant procedure; age > 18 < 60 years; compensated comorbidities; informed consent including COVID-19 addendum; adherence to specific admission, in-hospital and follow-up protocols. Data were collected in a prospective database. Patients undergone BMS during July-December 2019 were considered a control group.

RESULTS:

1258 patients were enrolled and compared with 1451 operated on in 2019, with no differences for demographics, complications, readmission, and reintervention rates. Eight patients (0·6%) tested positive for Sars-Cov-2 infection after discharge, as well as and 15 healthcare professionals, with no related complications or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Introduction of strict COVID-19 protocols concerning the protection of patients and health-care professionals guaranteed a safe resumption of elective BMS in Italy. The safety profile was, also, maintained during the second wave of outbreak, thus allowing access to a cure for the obese population.

• Authors: Gianfranco Silecchia, Cristian E Boru, Giuseppe M Marinari, Paolo Gentileschi, Mario Morino, Stefano Olmi, Mirto Foletto, Paolo Bernante, Riccardo Morganti, Carlo Tascini, Marco Anselmino, Emanuela Bianciardi, Michela Campanelli, Luigi Fiorello, Rudj Mancini, Alberto Oldani, Matteo Rottoli, Antonio Salzano, Manuela Trotta, cooperative RESTART group
• Journal: Diabetes research and clinical practice (Diabetes Res Clin Pract) Vol. 177 Pg. 108919 (Jul 2021) ISSN: 1872-8227 [Electronic] Ireland
• PMID: 34133962 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Observational Study)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Bariatric Surgery
• COVID-19
• Female
• Humans
• Italy (epidemiology)
• Laparoscopy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pandemics
• Patient Safety
• Prospective Studies
• State Medicine